Who we are
SWALLOW is working to make sure that teenagers and adults with learning disabilities live the lives they choose through user led support.
"The staff help me to live a Fulfilling life where I feel supported and safe."
Sarah
"SWALLOW has supported me to life a more independent live, including finding me my own home."
Dan
Our history
SWALLOW was established in 1993 by people with learning disabilities and their families to develop a new way of meeting their needs; to provide an alternative to day centres and residential homes. Over the years we have developed our services in response to the wishes of our members. Our aim is to help as many people as we can with the resources that we have.
Governance
The charity has a robust governance structure to ensure the smooth running of all services and to ensure SWALLOW’s resources are used to the maximum benefit of our members.
John Cullum DL
Patron
John Cullum has a wealth of experience, both in the commercial and voluntary sectors. He is currently a Non-Executive Director/Chairman on various small business Boards.
A former High Sheriff of Somerset and now Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset and continues to support a wide range of local organisations as Chair of Bath Royal United Hospital’s Forever Friends Appeal Group and Chair of Bath Festivals.
John said: “I was very inspired by the caring and respectful support provided by dedicated staff and volunteers, enabling greater independent living and quality of life for young people and adults in our area. “Hopefully, I can help build both financial and voluntary support for SWALLOW to meet the demand for these growing needs in our community.”
Our staff
SWALLOW services are run by experienced caring professionals who receive up to date training and supervision. We are proud of our reputation for being a great place to work; we look after our staff and in turn they offer the highest quality support to our members.
Trustees
We have a diverse board of 7 Trustees, who are appointed because of their commitment to supporting our members and each brings their own expertise, skills and passion to SWALLOW. They meet on a six weekly basis and play a vital role in ensuring we’re fulfilling our objectives.
See below to find out more about the members of the Trustee Board.
Chris Winpenny
Chair of Trustees
.I have been a Trustee since October 1997 – 20 years! The then project manager was advertising for a Treasurer so I applied as I wanted to do some voluntary work with my accounting skills. I have loved helping to grow SWALLOW into the successful charity it is today. I work with great staff and managers and of course the Members.
Tony Quinn
Trustee
I joined SWALLOW in 1999. I joined as I had recently retired and was looking for something different to do and was attracted by the aims of the charity.
I like SWALLOW because of its very clear values and goals.
Kate Atkinson
Deputy Chair
I have been a SWALLOW Trustee for many years. Once I became a trustee I realised what a great job SWALLOW did and enjoyed working with the members, fellow Trustees and wonderful staff to help make a ‘real difference’ to the member’s lives.
David Vaughan
Trustee
My Friend Tim Watson told me about SWALLOW and invited me along with a view to my becoming a Trustee. I really liked the aims of SWALLOW. Bev and her terrific team do really makes a massive difference to the lives of the people we support get more out of life and are able, as far as possible, to live an independent life. I am an IT professional and project manager.
Emma Rawlings
Trustee
I have been a trustee for 9 years. I became a trustee for SWALLOW, as I wanted to be able to support SWALLOW in it's relentless work supporting individuals, through learning and fun activities. I wanted to share my skills and expertise in helping the charity grow and move forwards.
John Freeman
Trustee
I've been a Trustee at SWALLOW for around six years. I like that it is client driven that we all try to assist members in improving their self confidence. Also that it is friendly. I have always been involved in some way with local communities, I taught for 37 years, many of those in this local area.
Stephen Barran
Trustee
I have been a SWALLOW Trustee since September 2015. I was invited to join because I have some experience of social housing. . When I looked at what SWALLOW does and how it works, I realised what an exceptional organisation it is, and was delighted to accept the invitation. What I like best about this organisation is the warm and supportive way in which the staff work with each other, and how the needs of the members drive everything that they do.
Management Committee
Key to the running of SWALLOW is the Management Committee made up of 11 members each representing the views and thoughts of the wider membership. The Management Committee is consulted on all major decisions around the development of SWALLOW, a Trustee sits in at each meeting and reports back to the Board.
See below to find out more about the members of the Management Committee .
Paul Davis
Management Committee
Chris Atkins
Management Committee
Leanne Hicks Davis
Management Committee
Kim Hawkins
Management Committee
Michael Wride
Management Committee
Lucy Cotterell
Management Committee
Daniel Bates
Management Committee
Ann Wescott
Management Committee
Neil Shearn
Management Committee
Sam Williams
Management Committee
Debbie Metcaff
Management Committee
Sarah Tarrant
Management Committee